University of Sheffield president and vice chancellor Professor Sir Keith Burnett gave evidence to a new inquiry into the opportunities and challenges for building a sustainable future for international students in the UK.

Universities are doing their best to welcome these students in every way they can, but we need the government to move on key issues to be globally competitive, especially in light of Brexit

The launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students Inquiry was held in Parliament on 3 July 2018 and was attended by experts from the education, business and trade sectors as well as members of local communities. The APPG will also host two oral evidence sessions in July and September to hear more detailed evidence, including from domestic and international students. This first-ever inquiry for the APPG will run throughout the summer and release a report in October.

The inquiry will focus on:

the impact of international students on the educational experience of international students, including building a global perspective on teaching and learning;

international students and local communities;

international students and regional benefits, including economic investment, cultural vibrancy, entrepreneurship and skills;

research, trade and soft power.

Sir Keith gave evidence of the fundamental connection between international students and the UK’s ability to continue to thrive in areas such as science and innovation.

“UK research and innovation is underpinned by international students who bring talent, capacity and investment,” Sir Keith said.

“Simply put, Britain’s industrial strategy itself leans heavily on universities and will not thrive unless we as a nation ensure we have the policies and practices which welcome international students and staff in a globally competitive environment. Universities are doing their best to welcome these students in every way they can, but we need the government to move on key issues to be globally competitive, especially in light of Brexit. Without urgently needed measures on post-study work, home students, communities, regions and the UK economy will all suffer.”

He also noted the wide-ranging economic, educational and social benefits of international students, as well as the positive impact of students on the NHS through placements of medical and dentistry students.

Coordination of the University of Sheffield’s response to the APPG will be led by Director of Public Affairs, Ruth Arnold, who will work with supporters of the #WeAreInternational campaign across the UK to provide evidence to this far-reaching inquiry.

“The APPG offers a unique opportunity for universities, students, businesses, schools and colleges to come together and express to the government just how crucial international students are to the UK and to our own areas of expertise,” she said.

“We are proud to already be working closely with organisations such as UUK International, the British Council and the NUS, as well as business organisations, but the APPG takes this lobbying further at a time when there is a cross-party consensus that we urgently need change on this issue.”

Written evidence will be submitted to the APPG from 3 July to 3 September 2018. The inquiry will then host two oral evidence sessions on 17 July and 11 September and report in October 2018.

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